OTTAWA, Jan. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) is pleased the 2013 Ontario Electricity Data report of Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) confirms that the production of wind energy in Ontario has doubled over the past four years and that wind energy is poised to reach critical mass in meeting Ontario's electricity supply needs.

In the Electricity Data report released on January 8, the IESO confirms the annual production of wind energy in Ontario has risen from 2.3 TWh to 5.2 TWh between 2009 and 2013. Based on data from the IESO and the Ontario Ministry of Energy, this means that in 2013, Ontario wind farms produced electricity equivalent to the power needs of close to 550,000 average Ontario homes.

CanWEA president Robert Hornung says that the IESO believes the contribution of wind energy to Ontario's electricity supply will increase even more significantly in the next couple of years as new wind energy projects come on line.

"We believe that future electricity supply in Ontario should be drawn from a balanced mix of new wind energy, in combination with natural gas and other renewable energy sources, to ensure that Ontario has a reliable, robust and cost-competitive electricity system," he says.

Mr. Hornung adds that governments across Canada and in advanced economies around the world appreciate the importance of blending increasing amounts of wind energy in the electricity supply because of its economic and environmental benefits.

"The 100 communities across Canada that host wind energy operations,developments and businesses, as well as Ontario's Long Term Energy Plan (LTEP), recognize that wind energy is a proven, reliable and cost-competitive energy solution that drives economic diversification, environmental sustainability and rate-base value," he says.

About the Canadian Wind Energy Association

CanWEA is the voice of Canada's wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information on wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitterand join the conversation at windfacts.ca.